Today marks the beginning of Emmy winner voting for the Television Academy. Voting runs until 10 pm PT on August 26th. As always, there are so many shows to consider, both new and returning, but some members of NBP wanted to share which shows and performances we’re hoping voters will consider for their winner ballots this year. You can see our full list of predictions here.
The FYC mentions below are made by Matt Neglia, Tom O’Brien, Giovanni Lago, Nadia Dalimonte, Megan Lachinski, Daniel Howat, Amy Kim and Alyssa Christian.
Outstanding Drama Series – “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms”
Despite my recent rantings about the toxic fandom for HBO’s flagship show, “House Of The Dragon,” that black cloud didn’t follow their smaller offering of George R.R. Martin’s world of Westeros earlier this year. Mostly everyone agreed that HBO’s “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” was unique and special compared to “Game of Thrones” and “House Of The Dragon” It’s a stripped fown six-episode drama series (Based on one of several novellas by George R.R. Martin) that wears its heart on its sleeve in the dark world of Westeros that adhered closeely to its source material, allowing the fans to repay it in kind with their adoration and critics and the Televisipn Academy seemed to agree as well as the first season found its way in the Outstanding Drama Series category. It’s a simple story about friendship, honor, and what it means to face death with dignity. What showrunner Ira Parker and his team accomplished is nothing short of remarkable, as they were still able to convey the richness of GRRM’s world with a fraction of the budget and throw in a healthy bit of comedy as well so that the entire experience wasn’t so dour and dreadful. isn’t afraid to throw in some comedy and not take itself too seriously at times. Peter Claffey and Dexter Sol Ansell are one of the best on-screen pairings of the year, and their performances helped make Dunk and Egg two of the most genuinely lovable protagonists this medium has produced in years. And despite all the light moments, the series knew when to go dark and intense, producing one of the most exhilarating, heart-pounding, dramatic, and technically accomplished episodes of television in 2026 with its fifth episode, “In the Name of the Mother.” It took the Television Academy until the fifth season of “Game of Thrones” to reward the show with their highest honor (“House Of The Dragon” won’t even get that far, as it’s ending with its fourth season); let’s not wait this long to reward “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.”
Outstanding Comedy Series – “Widow’s Bay”
Out-of-left-field phenomena don’t happen very often in the Primetime Emmy race, but when they do, Academy voters take notice. And this summer, they certainly had their eyes on this original horror-comedy on Apple TV. An intoxicating blend of small-town satire mixed with big-time scares, this wily underdog premiered late in awards season — April 29, much later than any of its competitors — and, despite a lack of big-name stars, audience word-of-mouth, prompted by strong critical reviews, began the undeniable buzz that “Widow’s Bay” was a show not to miss. That message soon resonated with voters, who showered the series with 19 Emmy nominations, the most for any new comedy. Set on a small resort island off the New England coast, the series centers on the town’s mainland-born mayor (Matthew Rhys) who is determined to turn the island into the new Martha’s Vineyard. He persists, however, despite warnings from the town’s quirky residents that the island is under a centuries-old curse that may spell dire consequences for both its residents and tourists. Mixing laugh-out-loud comedy with genuine horror is an enormous swing, and to be able to sustain it over the course of 10 episodes is even more remarkable. Yet in the hands of creator Katie Dippold and director Hiro Murai, that challenge is not only sustained. Still, it deepens over the course of the season, revealing the lives, loves, and traumas of its colorful characters in what became a richly satisfying narrative. No slight to “Hacks,” the Comedy Series’ perennial champ, which concluded its five-season run this year with style and class. But if Academy voters are looking for a fresh, original, and daring alternative, they’ve got a much-deserving candidate on the shores of Widow’s Bay.
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series – Carlos Manuel Vesga for “Pluribus”
It’s an impossible feat to take the spotlight away from Rhea Seehorn in “Pluribus,” a series wholly crafted around the brilliant performer that she is. That’s why it’s all the more impressive that Carlos Manuel Vesga does it with ease, in fact, completely rewriting the series’ DNA, turning it into a completely different entity. Vesga makes the most of the few words Vince Gillian’s dialogue allotted to him as special as possible. Even in the silence, Vesga’s commanding presence is felt. Audiences feel the pain of his character trapped alone in a world that changed without his permission. The anger, frustration, and eventual hope that push him from his bunkered-down home in Paraguay to the jungles of South America, all the way to Carol Stuka’s doorstep, are all sold to a T because of Vesga’s work. It’s one of the more deserved nominations of the evening, but it would be an even more memorable win.
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series – Sepideh Moafi for “The Pitt”
Leading the way with 25 Emmy nominations this year, nearly double the response to season one, “The Pitt” is prime for a second consecutive Outstanding Drama Series win. The organic passion for this riveting medical drama carried over with a stronger embrace of the performances this time around. Season two picked up 13 nominations in the acting categories alone, including one for new series regular, the brilliant Sepideh Moafi. From the moment Moafi appears in season two, she makes Dr. Baran Al-Hashimi a fascinating character to engage with. Dr. Al-Hashimi, who arrives as a replacement for Dr. Robby (Noah Wyle) during his approaching sabbatical, brings discipline to the chaotic Pittsburgh emergency department. The clash of authority between Al-Hashimi and Robby, two sides of the same attending-doctor coin, develops into a nuanced conversation about care in the modern age. Al-Hashimi operates with precision, showing herself as highly dedicated to the practice, while also carrying a heavy secret. Moafi mirrors this balance in her own performance as a versatile actor deeply committed to her craft. She walks an emotionally raw tightrope, establishing how she wants to be seen while withholding an active storm underneath. With each hint revealed about Al-Hashimi’s personal health condition, Moafi invites empathy and concern. Her pivotal disclosure to Robby continues to recontextualize the character for both hospital staff and audiences watching at home. Moafi’s performance culminates in a devastating parking lot scene in the season finale, and it resonates precisely because she understands this character so well. The glimpses of Al-Hashimi’s inner conflict also stem from the artistry we don’t see on screen but can piece together and ruminate on from Moafi’s dedicated work. Her Emmy category is filled with deserving performances, many from “The Pitt” alone, but this is her time to shine.
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama – Tom Pelphrey for “Task”
Tom Pelphrey’s two most famous roles are for playing arguably similar character tropes: the troubled but lovable working-class man desperate for a break. He broke out on “Ozark” for playing Ben Davis, a man with mental health problems who gets caught in the crosshairs of his sister and brother-in-law’s drug operation. In “Task,” he’s Robbie – the neighborhood garbage collector and family man who leads a double life as the local burglar. If he’s a one-trick pony, it’s a helluva trick. Pelphrey is able to convey pain, anguish, and anger so convincingly that regardless of every terrible thing his character’s done, you’re always rooting for him to succeed. Robbie takes a Dexter-like vigilante approach to his crimes, robbing trap houses operated by rival drug gangs throughout Philly in an attempt to support his kids and 21-year-old niece. Pelphrey gives Robbie, a character with immense emotional depth, an almost uncanny familiarity. You can hear the natural quiver in his voice when he speaks about his late brother, see the intense, unresolved pain in his eyes when he talks about giving up, and feel the rage in his chest when he’s finally confronting his foes. While most of his character’s choices are logically stupid, you end up understanding the why so clearly due to Pelphrey’s transcendent performance. It’s unfair to every scene partner he has because he steals every scene he’s in, which is an impressive feat when you’re acting opposite the likes of Mark Ruffalo. Plus, there’s something tasty about hearing that Delco “oew” coming out of his mouth. Pelphrey has the juice, and I hope this eventual Emmy win opens up even more doors for him in the future.
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series – Harrison Ford for “Shrinking”
Three seasons into “Shrinking,” and it’s well past time to honor Harrison Ford. His turn as Paul, the curmudgeonly, begrudging mentor and friend to Jimmy, has remained one of the best characters on television in recent years. “Shrinking” thrives on its familial atmosphere, bringing this seemingly random group of people together. Each of the group brings their own issues to the table – Jimmy’s chaotic recovery, Gaby’s career moves, Liz facing an empty nest, and more – but even as Paul battles Parkinson’s, he’s a stabilizing force for the entire crew. Yes, he’s a well-written character, but Ford elevates it at every turn. Few would blame Ford for phoning it in at this point in his career, but his emotional investment adds something rich to this comedy. Fighting Parkinson’s, facing retirement, finding love, moving away – Ford brings his well-known grouchiness on the surface, but with an unmistakable love for his friends and determination to keep pushing through. Because of his stoic facade, every crack in his emotional armor packs an enormous punch for the audience. It would be enough to say that we should give Ford the Emmy because it might be his last shot at one. But this year, it’s also that his performance warrants the honor. Harrison Ford gives one of the best performances of his career in “Shrinking,” and it is undoubtedly the Best Supporting Actor in any Comedy Series this year.
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie – David Harbour for “DTF St. Louis”
The beating heart of “DTF St. Louis” is David Harbour’s wondrously sincere performance as Floyd Smernitch. From our first introduction to this character, in a charmingly awkward scene opposite Floyd’s stepson, Harbour immediately captivates with his earnest, layered performance. Making this character likable is one thing, as Floyd is so full of love and understanding that it is difficult not to immediately be endeared to him. Conveying this character’s self-loathing and obliviousness to the extent that his complicated relationships with the people in his life are all the more tragic and understandable is quite another. He masters every strange, comedic beat while bouncing off of costars Jason Bateman and Linda Cardellini with such magnetism. It is a much softer, quieter role for the actor best-known for playing gruff characters in “Stranger Things” and “Black Widow,” but the tenderness at the core of those tougher characters is on full display here. Though the mystery “DTF St. Louis” pretends to revolve around is the identity of Floyd’s murderer, the actual question the show is interested in is how these characters’ inability to understand each other or themselves escalated to such unfortunate circumstances. He crushes your heart with the subtlest of line deliveries and the widening of his eyes. Harbour’s achingly brilliant performance anchors the entire series, as the hole his character leaves in everyone’s lives is felt in every minute he is offscreen.
– Amy Kim
Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series – Leslie Bibb for “Hacks”
This year’s category for Guest Actress in a Comedy Series is stacked—with five of the seven nominees coming from one show, “Hacks,” which ended its run with a record-setting number of nominations. And while Betty Gilpin of “Widow’s Bay” and Jamie Lee Curtis of “The Bear” are deserved nominees, their performances are more dramatic than the “Hacks” nominees here. So, which of those talented ladies should take home Emmy gold? They’re arguably all worthy, though the biggest scene-stealer (for me, at least) was Leslie Bibb, who has received her first Emmy nomination after missing the cut for her solid work on “The White Lotus.” In the episode “Montecito,” one of the most quoted and already iconic episodes of the series, Bibb delivers memorable, hilarious line readings and reactions. She also ad-libbed a couple of lines, such as when she followed Hannah Einbinder’s improvisations with, “We know Sia,” remembering a backstory the showrunners had shared with her about her character, Monica. Of course, how could we forget her saying, “Do you strap?” to Jean Smart alongside body movement that has made the rounds of social media. Plus, not only is her chemistry with Cherry Jones (who plays her wife) fresh and fun, but her flirting with Einbinder is similarly delightful and charming. Bibb’s work here is one of the truest examples of a guest star making every second count, and she would be an excellent winner.
Who/what are you hoping will win at this year’s Emmy Awards? Please let us know in the comments section below or over on our X account and check out our latest Emmy winner predictions here.
